Letter to the Editor: Canada Firearms Centre's commitment to public safety

November 1, 2004
National Post
1450 Don Mills Rd., Ste 300
Toronto, ON M3B 3R5

To the Editor,

A November 1, 2004 article in the National Post omitted some important information on the Firearms Program and its commitment to public safety education.

The entire Canadian Firearms Program is about public safety. Through its Licensing Directorate, the Canada Firearms Centre is responsible for the development of national standards and policies to enhance public safety including, for example, the development, evaluation and revision of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course, as well as guidelines for the safe construction and operation of shooting ranges.

To be eligible for a firearms licence, applicants must have passed the Canadian Firearms Safety Course unless a provincial Chief Firearms Officer has otherwise certified that the applicant has the required knowledge of firearm laws and safe-handling practices. In 2003 alone, almost 30,000 Canadians took the course. The feedback from participants has been very positive. In fact, a few months ago, a major firearm association in the U.S. invited Canadian instructors to present the course to some of their members because they were impressed by the content and high standards set by the Canadian Firearms Safety Course. The CAFC is currently working with New Brunswick to develop a pilot project to provide an on-line "home study" version of the course.

The Chief Firearms Officers for each province are responsible for the implementation and delivery of the Canadian Firearms Safety Program in accordance with the Canada Firearms Centre's safety standards and policies. In addition to delivering the Canadian Firearms Safety Course, the Chief Firearms Officers and other officials are engaged in a variety of communications, consultations and outreach initiatives to educate the public about the safe use of firearms.

The Canada Firearms Centre remains committed to working with all jurisdictions and with individuals and groups delivering the Canadian Firearms Safety Course in communities to promote firearm safety at every available opportunity.

Thomas Markus Vares
Communications Advisor
Canada Firearms Centre